So I finally have decided to start the ridiculous process in NY of getting myself a pistol permit. I'll be done with my required training course on 1/5 and will need to then submit my application with references. Once they recieve the app/references, I need to get fingerprinted, and at that time I'll need a receipt and serial number for the weapon I'd like to have listed on my permit when I go to the station for fingerprinting. So..........within a couple of weeks, I need to pick a handgun and get it bought so the dealer can hold it for me while I complete the process. Since I won't be able to carry concealed, I'm thinking my first pistol will be something of mid size. I'll likely punch paper with it mostly, and would also like to have bedside for home defense in a SHTF situation. In a year I can reapply for an unrestricted permit that would also require me to demonstrate a proficiency test that will require quite a bit of timed rapid fire shooting with reloading and accuracy testing out to 15 yards. I'd like my first pistol to be ideal for this type of test so I can start getting used to it now. As of now, I'd like either a .40 or .45. I'd like it to be made in the USA. I'm considering the XDM 3.8" 45ACP Compact, and the S&W M&P45. I'll also likely look at a couple of the lighter weight 1911's out there, I really like the look of Springfields PX9115LP Lightweight Champion Operator. My spending limit would be $800ish I'd say but I'd like to spend less than that if I can. Anything else I should consider that fits the criteria above? Any thoughts on 1911 vs. Polymer pistol for the uses outlined above?
Can't really go wrong with what you've already outlined. The 40 might be a tad cheaper to shoot, but a 45 is so prevalent, I'm not sure. I haven't analyzed the cost to shoot that closely. The recoil of the 40 might be a little easier to control, but if you are set on sticking with lighter weight guns it may take some practice for either caliber. I don't have any personal experience shooting any of the guns you listed other than a 1911, which I absolutely love. For me it is as natural feeling of a handgun as I've ever held.
My brother just bought Well, I guess its been 8 months now the S&W M&P .357 SIG. I really like shooting it. The XDM is a nice one also. I know the Taurus is not made in the USA but, You may want to look at the Millennium line. Then of course there is the always overlooked Ruger. My dad has a Ruger he has had for 22 years now and it shoots as well now as it did the day it was bought.
If I could only own one pistol it would be a 1911. $800 makes that tough to find one though other than stripped down basic models. XD's are nice, I have a .40 and it has been nothing but reliable.
When I return from this deployment I plan on buying a new pistol...I was looking at getting the XDM .45 3.8....Of course I will want to shoot it first....but that is the plan anyways....
I have the 4.5 XDm in a .40.....this gun is pretty cool! Grip safety, round indicator, rail...just a sweet machine! I picked up the XDm package, Gun, 2 16rd Mags, Holster, dual Mag holster, speed loader, lock, bore brush and 2 extra grip saddles, it came with the medium installed...the extras are a small and large, easy to swap out! This all came in a nice hard case with cut out foam, I like it! I picked it up from Cabelas for $719 this included the background charges as well!
In the caliber you mentioned I have a Kimber Ultra II CDP 45 acp 1911. It's a awsome pistol with Teridum (sp?) sights that glow to beat all in low light. I also got Crimson tracer grips on it the kids got me one year for Christmas. Its accuracy is well beyound my capabilities. But for daily carry I still find myself grabbing my LCP. Now they are making the LCP in 9mm so it's next on my list.
i have the .40 XD and its ok. shoulda gotten the .45 though. bigger is nicer! plus my hand fits better on the .45 question... would you consider buying used? i know of one guy on this site trying to move the exact same weapon (.40)that has maybe been fired on only three separate days (prob 40rounds each day) i only ask cause it would keep your cost down lastly if you wanted to make a wish list check out springfield's XD(M)5.25 or pick up this month's American Rifleman, looks sweet!!!!!!!!!
Not sure what you mean there. I just got my permit 2 weeks ago (unrestricted) and my wife's should be in any day now. We didn't have to do anything with a gun until we got our permit acceptance letter. Then you have 60 days to take a bill of sale with serial number on it to the dept and they then give you your actual permit with that gun on it. Then you go get your gun.............same procedure for every gun from that point on. Double check that info.............not sure if different counties have different rules.
Um.... picking your handgun is like picking your bow. Handle and fire as many different ones as you can, and the the handgun pick you! Do not become married to a particular make, model, or caliber. Optimum fun, accuracy, and safety is achieved with the pistol YOU shoot the most accurately and fastest. Wherever those two axis meet... that's your gun. With all the crud you are having to go through to get it, make darn sure it is the right one for you.
When you quoted that XD's are made overseas I though you were referring to Matt's comment about wanting a gun made in the USA. I was just pointing out that Glocks are made overseas as well.
You can get a Springfield GI45 for less than $800 and they are a very nice gun. Or, you can buy used and bump up some into better categories. As for XD's, they're okay for the money. I don't like them because they are top heavy and when firing I can feel the slide moving back and forth which causing barrel angle to move. To the OP, is there any way you can get to a range and either rent or test shoot some pistols from people you know? Best to have that option than it is to buy something you don't like. Seems like NY has some stupid laws on purchase. Oh, and if you're wanting made in the USA, XD's are not made here. They are made in Croatia. If you want made in the USA, why not something from your own backyard? Kimber Custom II ($830) I have a Kimber Raptor II and it's a very good pistol. I would like to pick up a Custom II for carry and a good knock-around pistol. But, a little out of my price range at the moment.
Ahh gotcha Scott. I actually missed that comment. I got alot of my pistol knowledge from recent Iraq and Afghan vets that i work with, and they HATE the Croatian XD's with a passion. They Rave the SIGS, M&P's and Glocks.
Thanks so much for the feedback guys. I went and handled some guns today at two different shops. Right now I really like the M&P 45 compact, but the trigger is pretty terrible. The XDm 45 compact is really nice too, and has a fantastic trigger, but I don't like that the NY legal magazine doesn't give me a spot for my pinky. I also handled the Glock 30 which had a great trigger, a spot for my finger, but was quite a bit thicker in profile than the XDm or M&P. Then I also got to handle the Springfield Lightweight Champion Operator 1911........everything is perfect with this gun but I'm hesitant to spent $1100 on a gun right now. I still don't know what I'll get but it will likely be one of these guns. Every county is different..I talked with my County Clerk today and he indicated I do need a serial number and proof of ownership when I turn in the app. Basically I buy the gun but can't have it till the process is complete. I just found out today too that we have a new judge in place and he put a new step in the process......I have to do a personal interview with the Judge. And they never issue an unrestricted permit in Schenectady County the first time either, basically I can have it in my home, a range, or hunting, or while directly commuting to do one of the above. After a year, I can reapply for a unrestricted permit after a bunch of proficiency tests and a written test regarding penal law in NY. Didn't realize that. I do know Glock's were made in Austria, I actually had a pair of 23's when I lived in PA that I liked quite a bit. Unless a foreign gun clearly outperforms something domestic or is a waaaay better value, I'll try hard to buy American. Looks like I'm most likely down to the M&P with a trigger job, or I'll pony up the $$$ for the Springfield.
